To accelerate the adoption of tactile robotic systems across various industries, including automotive, electrical equipment, materials, semiconductors, logistics, healthcare, and food, we have launched a partnership program (hereinafter referred to as the "FV+ Program") aimed at fostering collaboration and cooperation with robotic system integrators. This program enhances collaboration at various stages, from sharing business opportunities and joint marketing efforts to proof-of-concept (PoC) trials and full-scale system implementation utilizing FingerVision's tactile hand.
Through the FV+ Program, FingerVision is committed not only to building win-win relationships with our partner companies but also to addressing customer challenges and tackling issues facing the robotics industry as a whole, contributing to the overall advancement of the industry.
Introduction of partner companies joining FV+ program
Since the launch of the FV+ Program, more than ten robotic system integrators, equipment manufacturers, and machinery makers have already joined. Many of these companies, including members of the Japan Robot System Integrators Association (hereinafter referred to as the "SIer Association"), possess highly advanced robotic technologies.
Through this program, concrete collaborations on robotic systems and development projects are progressing in industries such as automotive, semiconductors, and food. The implementation of applications leveraging FingerVision's visual-tactile technology is also accelerating.
I.M. PACK, Hokkaido https://www.im-pack.co.jp/
HCI, Osaka https://www.hci-ltd.co.jp/#top
Evolut, Kumamoto https://www.evolut.jp/
Kyoritsu Electric, Shizuoka https://www.kdwan.co.jp/
Kyowa Shoko, Fukuoka https://www.ksk21.co.jp/
Keiyo bend, Chiba http://www.keiyo-bend.co.jp/
Kondo Seisakusho, Aichi https://www.konsei.co.jp/index.html
Sanmei machinery, Shizuoka https://www.sanmei-kikou.co.jp/
Knowledge Creation Technology, Tokyo https://jpkct.com/
Nichiei, Aichi http://nichieikikou.co.jp/
FlareOriginal, Nagano https://www.flareoriginal.com/
Yanagihara Mechax, Shizuoka https://www.y-mechax.com/
Comments from Partner Companies and Representatives
Kazuo Kubota, Representative Director of Sanmei Mechanical Inc.
（Chairman of the Japan Robot System Integrator Association）
"I believe that FingerVision’s visual-tactile technology, along with its robotics and image processing capabilities, holds great promise for the future of Japan’s manufacturing industry. Over the past 40 years as a robotic system integrator, we have faced numerous challenges, hardships, and failures in the development of robot hands. However, our encounter with FingerVision has given us hope for a breakthrough.
The company’s vision of bringing this technology into practical use in society resonates with Sanmei Kiko, and we believe that all stakeholders can benefit in a win-win manner, which is why we decided to join the partnership program. We aim to work together to implement this technology not only in the food industry but also in various other sectors, including the automotive industry."
Koji Okuyama, President and CEO of HCI Co., Ltd.
（Deputy chairman of the Japan Robot System Integrator Association）
"For robotic system integrators, the 'robot hand' is a key technology that constantly demands technical problem-solving. Encountering FingerVision’s visual-tactile hand for the first time was an eye-opener. It truly is a game-changer, confirming our belief in the transformation of robotics.
In our pursuit of a barrier-free industry and a society where humans and robots coexist, we believe that the ultimate form of a robotic hand is one that replicates human skin sensations—and this hand achieves exactly that. For instance, serving robots have revolutionized restaurant floor operations. The next challenge lies in cooking and back-of-house tasks. This hand, with its ability to grasp a variety of food items, will drive that transformation.
For our company, which operates robot cafes, this technology is a true savior. Moreover, its ability to handle fragile objects like glassware and circuit boards demonstrates its vast potential, making it a true 'maverick' among robotic hands."
Seichi Yanagihara, President and CEO of Yanagihara Mechax
（Director of the Japan Robot System Integrator Association）
"The ability of this visual-tactile technology to detect slippage and automatically adjust the grip force, ensuring that objects are never dropped, is particularly appealing. If grip force can be fully controlled, we expect that by adjusting the hand’s simple settings, it will be possible to grasp a huge variety of different objects.
We have been working with FingerVision since the spring of 2023, and their exhibition featuring the visual-tactile hand at that year's International Robot Exhibition received an overwhelmingly positive response. Their continuous software upgrades, as well as the release of four new hand models tailored to market needs, align closely with our company's goal of pioneering new markets.
Our main focus is on the automation of primary industries, such as agriculture and fishing. In agriculture, for example, no two crops are identical in shape, and excessive grip force can crush them. With this technology, we aim to realize fast yet gentle handling of agricultural products. Additionally, unexpected inquiries from various industries suggest even broader applications. We are actively conducting proof-of-concept trials to explore new fields and use cases."
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The FV+ program will continue to actively recruit member companies. For inquiries and applications for this program, please contact us by email at contact@fingervision.jp, or through the inquiry form on our website. Let's work together to establish new collaborations!